In the Marvel Universe, I Worked for the System
Geralt scratched his head and asked Megan, "What's the layout upstairs?"
"Eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, a study, and a big attic."
"What about the basement?"
"A pile of junk and all sorts of clutter. There's also a locked wooden door."
"Have you been through it?"
"No. There's an old-fashioned brass padlock on the door, and I can't find the key." Megan shook her head. "Besides, the basement has poor ventilation. It's stuffy and smells sour. I usually don't go down there unless I have to."
"Oh. Let's take a look at the basement." After a moment's thought, Geralt asked, "Is there lighting down there?"
"Yes, but it's very dim."
"You have flashlights, right? One each."
Wiring problems came with old houses. Megan had not only flashlights but a portable lantern.
The basement entrance was in the living room. Behind the door, a wooden staircase ran straight down, creaking underfoot in a way that set their nerves on edge.
Geralt went first.
Megan had said the basement was dark.
She hadn't been exaggerating.
Every light was about as bright as a night-light.
The horror-movie atmosphere was complete.
"Were they trying to save on the electric bill?" Geralt muttered.
At the bottom of the stairs, a straight corridor stretched ahead. It was a little over two meters wide and more than ten meters long, with a locked wooden door at the far end.
After walking a few meters, Geralt whipped out his Demon Hunter Gun and aimed ahead.
"What is it?" Megan asked uneasily.
She pointed her flashlight farther down the corridor.
A large dog covered in black fur slowly walked toward them.
Saliva dripped from its bared mouth, past long, pointed fangs.
Its eyes glowed crimson.
It was no friendly animal.
Megan